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Working on a better world with Green Schools Project

If you’re at school, or if you’re a parent or teacher, and you’d like your school to have the benefit of working on environmental projects, or if you run a local community garden, recycling initiative, or wildlife project, and want to get young people involved, get in touch with Henry Greenwood from the Green Schools project.

First shoots

Henry was a maths teacher wondering why adults expected young people to become environmentally responsible when schools set a bad example – windows open with the heating on, lights left on, recycling boxes not emptied. Some year 12s started an energy-saving project which went on to save the school £1000s.

Growing minds

Schools are squeezed for time –but students who take a lead on environmental projects develop all kinds of skills that colleges want, that employers are looking for on top of exam grades. One local example is Bishop Thomas Grant School in Lambeth who set up an Eco Team. Years 8 and 9 created a garden growing potatoes, beans, spinach and courgettes. They held a “which house can recycle the most? “competition They organised bake sales for endangered species. If you watched Planet Earth 2 you’ve seen the benefit on snow leopard conservation!

Green schools all over the UK

Green Schools wants young people’s energy and enthusiasm to influence parents and encourage the world to be a better place. Let’s end up with every school in the UK as a model of sustainability, with young people helping make the change to a sustainable society.

Getting started

The Green schools website includes resources to help start up your own environmental projects, including:

‘how to start an energy-saving campaign’ guide.

‘how to start an Eco-Team at your school’ guide, including a customisable recruitment poster.